I don’t know for sure about you, but if my read on our current reality is even a little bit accurate, I imagine we could all use a collective deep breath right now. And so today, as we’ve done here on the podcast several times before, I thought it might be best to offer a simple reading from Scripture, reminding us of what is ours to do as followers of Jesus. I’ll also offer a few reflection questions and a little bit of space for silence toward the end. Whether you are feeling encouraged or discouraged, at peace or on edge, hopeful or despairing, I hope these words and these questions serve you well.

A reading from Romans 12:9-21:

9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

• Does anything stand out to you in this passage? Maybe a word, image, or phrase? A feeling or a question? Take a moment to consider what that might be for you.

• What do you notice about your response to the passage? Do you resonate with it? Are you bothered by it? Both can be true, or you might notice something else entirely. Take a moment to sit with that. All responses are welcome.

• Now, consider your current life and circumstances. If it’s helpful, maybe even focus in on this very day. What reminder or invitation might God be offering you in this passage?

• Finally, as you consider that reminder or invitation, what do you need from God?

Today, may we remember the call of Romans 12. May it be true for me and for you, even now, as, together, we continue to become the people God calls and invites us to be.